Without a doubt, “Why do we do the things we do?” is one of the most important questions of all time.

The question has plagued philosophers – who’s theories have helped shape entire nations – for centuries. The question of why we do what we do is what inspired Newton, Aristotle, and Picasso to think of ideas other’s could not dream of.

You, too, can find creative inspiration by not only asking “Why do we do the things we do?” but also by observing other’s while asking the question.

The people you see at the grocery store, why do they shop the way that they do? What makes them pick up a box of cereal or a piece of fruit? Why is it so often that shoppers move around a store in a recognizable pattern?

Ask the same question of your family’s, co–worker’s, and friend’s, actions. Why do they do the things they do?

Especially ask yourself why you do the things you do. When you finish a project – or put something off until the last minute – ask yourself why. When you react to a situation a certain way, when you do something you have never done before, and especially when you do something that makes you feel good, ask yourself why you did it.

You can find creative inspiration simply by addressing why you and I do things a certain way. What makes us do the things we do? Is there a better way to do what we do everyday?

Everyday, starting today, I want you to observe the people around you and constantly ask: “Why do they do what they do?”

Not only will you learn a lot, you’ll also find that the question provokes your creativity.